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From tiny homes to grand abodes, apartments, and big and small extensions—here are a few of the most beautiful Australian homes to inspire your renovation dreams.

From the shortlist of the 2018 Houses Awards, these stunning renovations are sure to have you planning your next upgrade, room-change, or fresh slick of paint.

Whether you are looking for an off-grid, minimalist escape, stunning, custom-made details, or an addition that will make your home feel totally new, check out the following architecturally created renovation spectacles.

This off-grid holiday cabin was created as an escape from the high stress of a busy work life. With long views to the south and tall trees to the north, the cabin opens onto an east and west deck, capturing morning and afternoon sun while affording views to the south. A high roof allowed solar panels and a skylight to catch the sun from over the trees.

"Born in Taiwan, [our client] spent her childhood in traditional Japanese houses (built during the occupation)," Maguire + Devine said in a statement. "Out of this grew a love for highly crafted minimalist design. Our brief was to capture that and design a building as a piece of furniture with everything she needs built in. The only furniture allowed was a low table and mattress on the sleeping loft."

Designed to resemble a stack of books resting randomly on top of a coffee table, this house was also created to reflect a few of the Chinese philosophical principles in Lin Yutang's 1937 novel, 'The Importance of Living'.

The concrete structure of each floor is oriented differently to maximise ocean views, and inside an elliptically shaped stairwell draws in natural coastal light. A stunning custom-made brass stair leads to the roof and divides the living room from the dining room. A bookcase is also a secret doorway, leading to a hidden study that overlooks the pool.

This neat rear addition to an existing Victorian home in Melbourne created an intriguing connection between old and new architecture. The family's life was re-orientated around an internal courtyard and a new Northern aspect.

Big alteration

Arent & Pyke worked alongside architect Luke Moloney to restore this home to its classic 1930s era roots. Interior styling is a nod to its original P&O style—a modernist design that referenced the luxury Pacific and Orient cruise ships of the time. The kitchen was relocated to the centre of the ground floor, and a bespoke fireplace was added to give a heart to the home. A new balcony, defined doors and windows create a new connection with the garden.

Who says traditional townhouses have to be dull? Drenched in slithers and splashes of bright, densely coloured paint, this Georgian townhouse in Perth received a bold reimagining that was intended to create new space and compliment the client's furniture and taste.